Relative Occurrence Research Articles

Assessing the Co-Occurrence of European Pine Marten (Martes martes) With Humans and Domestic Cats on a Mediterranean Island.

Anthropogenic activities often lead to changes in the distribution and behavior of wild species. The mere presence of humans and free-roaming domestic cats (Felis catus) can affect wildlife communities; however, responses to these disturbances might not be ubiquitous and may vary with local conditions. We investigated European pine marten's (Martes martes) distribution on Elba Island, Italy, where the species is the only wild carnivore. In this system, pine martens act as the top predator, and human presence is mostly driven by seasonal tourism. We evaluated (1) pine marten's occurrence in relation to vegetation type and elevation and the potential effects of proximity to settlements, (2) whether pine marten's distribution was associated with the co-occurrence of humans and domestic cats, and, if so, (3) whether these co-occurrence patterns were associated with proximity to anthropogenic infrastructures. Additionally, we explored similarities in activity patterns between pine marten and the other two species. We collected camera-trap data at 77 locations throughout Elba Island in February-July 2020. Using single-season multistate occupancy models, we found evidence that pine martens' occupancy was generally high across all vegetation types and elevation, and proximity to settlements was only weakly associated with the species occurrence. Contrary to expectations, we found no evidence of an association between pine martens' distribution and the presence of either humans or free-roaming domestic cats on Elba Island. Opposing activity patterns might have facilitated pine martens' co-existence with humans, with pine martens being active at ground level almost exclusively during nighttime. On the contrary, cats and pine martens showed similar activity patterns, and further studies are needed to define the co-existence mechanisms. These findings have important management implications and suggest that response to direct and indirect anthropogenic pressures can be highly context-dependent and mediated by the availability of resources and competition mechanisms.

Half a century of survey data reveal population recovery but persistent threats for the Vulnerable yellow-footed rock-wallaby in Queensland, Australia

Abstract The record of mammal declines and extinctions in Australia raises concerns regarding geographically restricted and poorly known taxa. For many taxa, the existing data are insufficient to assess their conservation status and inform appropriate management. Concerns regarding the persistence of the subspecies of yellow-footed rock-wallaby Petrogale xanthopus celeris, which is endemic to Queensland, have been expressed since the 1970s because of red fox Vulpes vulpes predation, competition with feral goats Capra hircus and land clearing. This rock-wallaby is rarely observed, occupies rugged mountain ranges and, prior to our surveys, had not been surveyed for 25 years. We surveyed 138 sites across the range of this rock-wallaby during 2010–2023, including revisiting sites surveyed in the 1970s–1980s and locations of historical records. We examined occurrence in relation to habitat variables and threats. Occupancy and abundance remained similar over time at most sites. However, by 2023 the subspecies had recolonized areas in the north-east of its range where it had disappeared between surveys in the 1980s and 2010s, and three south-western subpopulations that were considered extinct in the 1980s were rediscovered. Recolonization and increases in abundance at numerous sites between the 2010s and 2020s are associated with declines in feral goat abundance, indicating dietary and habitat competition are major threats. Exclusion fences erected since 2010 could limit genetic exchange between rock-wallaby subpopulations whilst allowing domestic goats to be commercially grazed. Petrogale xanthopus celeris should remain categorized as Vulnerable based on these ongoing threats. Repeated monitoring approximately every decade should underpin management of this endemic taxon.

Significant Influence of Cardiac Radiation Dose on the Risk of Cardiotoxicity in Patients Receiving Adjuvant Trastuzumab and Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer

PurposeThis study aimed to analyze the incidence of cancer therapy-related cardiovascular toxicity (CTRCVT) and identify the radiation dosimetric and clinical risk factors for these events in patients with HER2-positive breast cancer. Materials and methodsData from 1,378 patients who were treated with curative surgery and adjuvant trastuzumab for breast cancer were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 959 patients underwent postoperative radiation therapy (RT), while 419 patients were managed without RT (no-RT). CTRCVT were categorized according to the time of occurrence in relation to trastuzumab as follows: during trastuzumab cycles (CTRCVT-during T) or after completing trastuzumab (CTRCVT-after T). The cardiac radiation dose was extracted from the RT plan of each individual patient. The incidence of and contributing factors for CTRCVT-during T and -after T were evaluated. ResultsAfter a median follow-up of 95.8 months (range, 4.3–181.1 months), 69 patients (5.0%) had experienced CTRCVT. CTRCVT-during T was detected in 41 patients (3.0%), and the 8-year rate of CTRCVT-after T was 2.2%. Of the patients developing CTRCVT-during T, 27 (2.0%) discontinued trastuzumab. The cardiac radiation doses were significantly associated with the risk of both CTRCVT-during T (odds ratio, 1.087; P = 0.001) and -after T (hazard ratio, 1.177; P <0.001). The 8-year rates of CTRCVT-after T were not significantly different between the no-RT and RT groups (2.0% vs. 2.4%, P = 0.956). However, the rate was significantly higher in patients with heart V25Gy ≥3% compared to those with heart V25Gy <3% (5.7% vs. 1.5%, P = 0.019). Patients who received <17 cycles of trastuzumab had worse oncological outcomes than those who received ≥17 cycles. ConclusionsBoth CTRCVT-during T and -after T were associated with the cardiac radiation dose. Therefore, evaluation of the cardiac radiation dose is necessary to prevent early termination of trastuzumab treatment, which could lead to worse outcomes.

Non selective beta-blockers prevent PHT-related complications occurrence in HCC patients with esophageal varices treated by TACE.

. We aimed to investigate the parameters associated with portal hypertension (PHT)-related complications occurrence in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients treated by transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), with a focus on non-selective beta blockers (NSBBs) due to their impact on preventing liver decompensation. . We included all patients with HCC for whom endoscopy was available the day of first TACE (2013-2023). The occurrence of PHT-related complications was defined as the appearance of ascites, acute variceal bleeding or hepatic encephalopathy (HE) post-TACE treatment and prior to HCC progression. Inappropriate treatment by NSBBs was defined by the lack of NSBBs in patients with small/large esophageal varices (EV). . 109 patients were included (age 67 years, 80% male) and 65% had EV. No NSBBs prescription despite indication was observed in 32% and 81% of patients with large and small size EV, respectively. Median progression free survival and overall survival were 10 and 23 months, respectively, and 27% of patients underwent LT. During the follow-up, 20 patients presented PHT-related complications with an incidence of 18% at 12months (90% with EV,67% not treated by NSBB while indicated). Among them, 11 presented HCC progression, 2 were transplanted and 78% presented liver decompensation that impaired the access to further HCC treatment. In multivariate analysis, a history of HE (HR=55.39,95%CI[7.42-413.26]) and inappropriate NSBBs treatment (HR=4.16,95%CI[1.45-11.81]) were associated with PHT-related complications occurrence. . The lack of NSBBs was independently associated with PHT-related complications after TACE, precluding access to further HCC treatment in 78% of patients with HCC progression. Appropriate screening and PHT prophylaxis are needed in HCC patients who undergo TACE to improve their outcomes.

Longitudinal Analysis of Honey Bee Colony Health as a Function of Pesticide Exposure

Sixty commercial honey bee colonies were monitored over the course of one year with the goal of assessing potential correlations between measured colony strength and environmental stressors, including exposures to pesticides and pathogens. We developed a new method for assessing colony health by determining the fractional change in population of the four colonies on each pallet between peak population on 1 June and the last population assessment prior to winter on 1 October. This fractional change in population was evaluated as a function of pesticide load per pallet for each of the 37 pesticide chemicals detected, grouping pallets by beekeeper. The analysis of individual chemicals showed that both imidacloprid and cyprodinil were negatively correlated with colony health, while tau-fluvalinate and dinotefuran (at very low concentrations) were positively correlated, possibly because of effects on Varroa control. Exposure to groups of chemicals was also evaluated. Normalization of each chemical concentration to the maximum observed for that chemical provided an equal weighting for each chemical, even though their relative occurrence in the environment and their effective toxicities might differ. A total of 24 chemical groups whose members share a structural commonality, a functional commonality, or suspected synergistic actions were considered, demonstrating negative correlations between colony health and exposures to neonicotinoids as a group and neonicotinoids in combination with (1) methoxyfenozide (2) organophosphates, and (3) diflubenzuron. Analysis of several groups of fungicides applied to almonds during pollination also showed negative correlations with colony health.

Endophytic fungi from &lt;i&gt;Dichrocephala integrifolia&lt;/i&gt;: Diversity, antifungal properties, enzymatic activities, and plant growth promotion

Dichrocephala integrifolia is a wild medicinal plant utilised in traditional healing and Ayurveda to cope up with several health issues by various groups of people around the world. Medicinal plants are associated with diverse fungal endophytes with potential bioactive properties. In this investigation, 26 fungal endophytes were isolated from D. integrifolia and three sterile forms using the Petri plate culture method. The endophytic isolation rate was highest for inflorescence (35.97%) and lowest for stem (15.61%). The highest colonization frequency was shown by F. solani (8.37%) and the lowest by Sterile morphotype 3 (1.36%). Out of the four plant parts, inflorescence was found to be highly infected, displaying an infection rate of 93.43% and the least infection occurred in the stem with 45%. The maximum number of isolated endophytic fungi belongs to the class Sordariomycetes, with a relative occurrence (%) of 71.72%. The Simpson’s diversity index reveals that the leaf endophytes were more diverse (0.94). Qualitative antifungal activity of the sporulating isolates against Curvularia lunata has shown that the maximum number of endophytes possessed Class 3 antagonism. Four isolates were selected based on screening of their antagonistic activity and their antifungal inhibition was calculated against nine fungal phytopathogens. Maximum inhibition (100%) was shown by Trichoderma sp. 2 (S2B2) against Alternaria alternata, A. brassicicola, Colletotrichum capsici, C. lunata, and Ustilaginoidea virens and least inhibition by Gliocladium sp. 1 (19.78%) against C. lunata. The four isolates were found to produce protease, lipase, amylase and cellulase enzymes. The isolates produced ammonia and hydrogen cyanide, but none of the isolates could solubilize phosphate. Potent biocontrol agents are much needed to replace synthetic chemicals and restore soil microflora.

Parental views on their children's smartphone use during personal and relational activities.

Given the negative outcomes associated with smartphone use during personal and relational activities (SUPRA), parents strive to regulate its use among their children. However, media parenting recommendations lack knowledge of parental views on SUPRA and their relative occurrence in youths. This study aimed to (i) estimate SUPRA frequency among children and adolescents, (ii) assess parental dislike (PD) of SUPRA, and (iii) identify predictors of PD of SUPRA. An online survey was completed by 826 parents (49% mothers, age 25-74, Median = 43 years), capturing PD of SUPRA, estimated frequency of SUPRA in their children (49% female, age 6-18, Median = 10 years), parenting styles (warmth and control), parental attitudes toward screen media, and sociodemographic characteristics. The rate of frequent SUPRA was significantly higher in adolescents (2.7-48.1%) compared to children (2.1-27.2%) with odds ratios ranging from 0.67 to 3.04, depending on the activity type. PD of SUPRA was high in parents of children (M = 4.04, SD = 0.66) and adolescents (M = 3.93, SD = 0.71). Linear regression identified being a mother, having higher levels of control and warmth, and less positive attitudes toward screen media as significant predictors of SUPRA dislike. Our study was the first to report the estimated occurrence and parental dislike of smartphone use (SU) during various personal and relational activities, enabling their direct comparison. Experts warn against SU while studying and at bedtime, which frequently occurred in 4-5% of children and 10-12% of adolescents. More attention should be paid to SU during relational (peer/family) activities due to its relatively high occurrence and parental dissatisfaction.

Occurrence of respiratory and urinary tract infections in patients treated with docetaxel compared with afatinib based on a health insurance claims database in Japan.

The relative occurrence of infection in patients treated with cytotoxic chemotherapeutic drugs and molecularly targeted drugs is unclear. To compare the occurrence of respiratory and urinary tract infections in patients treated for lung cancer with docetaxel versus afatinib and to predict the occurrence of the respiratory and urinary tract infections. Data on patients who received docetaxel or afatinib were obtained from a health insurance claims database. After propensity score matching, the occurrence of respiratory and urinary tract infections in each group was compared. Factors associated with respiratory and urinary tract infections were evaluated using multivariable conditional logistic regression analysis. Each group included 855 patients. The occurrence of respiratory infections was significantly higher in the docetaxel group than in the afatinib group (22.6% [193/855] vs. 13.9% [119/855]; p < 0.01). The occurrence of urinary tract infections did not differ significantly by group. Docetaxel was independently associated with a significantly increased risk of respiratory infections (adjusted odds ratio: 1.68, 95% confidence interval: 1.23-2.29), but not urinary tract infections. Patients with lung cancer treated with docetaxel should be closely monitored for the occurrence of respiratory infection in clinical settings.

Proportion and number of cancer cases and deaths attributable to potentially modifiable risk factors in the United States, 2019.

In 2018, the authors reported estimates of the number and proportion of cancers attributable to potentially modifiable risk factors in 2014 in the United States. These data are useful for advocating for and informing cancer prevention and control. Herein, based on up-to-date relative risk and cancer occurrence data, the authors estimated the proportion and number of invasive cancer cases (excluding nonmelanoma skin cancers) and deaths, overall and for 30 cancer types among adults who were aged 30 years and older in 2019 in the United States, that were attributable to potentially modifiable risk factors. These included cigarette smoking; second-hand smoke; excess body weight; alcohol consumption; consumption of red and processed meat; low consumption of fruits and vegetables, dietary fiber, and dietary calcium; physical inactivity; ultraviolet radiation; and seven carcinogenic infections. Numbers of cancer cases and deaths were obtained from data sources with complete national coverage, risk factor prevalence estimates from nationally representative surveys, and associated relative risks of cancer from published large-scale pooled or meta-analyses. In 2019, an estimated 40.0% (713,340 of 1,781,649) of all incident cancers (excluding nonmelanoma skin cancers) and 44.0% (262,120 of 595,737) of all cancer deaths in adults aged 30 years and older in the United States were attributable to the evaluated risk factors. Cigarette smoking was the leading risk factor contributing to cancer cases and deaths overall (19.3% and 28.5%, respectively), followed by excess body weight (7.6% and 7.3%, respectively), and alcohol consumption (5.4% and 4.1%, respectively). For 19 of 30 evaluated cancer types, more than one half of the cancer cases and deaths were attributable to the potentially modifiable risk factors considered in this study. Lung cancer had the highest number of cancer cases (201,660) and deaths (122,740) attributable to evaluated risk factors, followed by female breast cancer (83,840 cases), skin melanoma (82,710), and colorectal cancer (78,440) for attributable cases and by colorectal (25,800 deaths), liver (14,720), and esophageal (13,600) cancer for attributable deaths. Large numbers of cancer cases and deaths in the United States are attributable to potentially modifiable risk factors, underscoring the potential to substantially reduce the cancer burden through broad and equitable implementation of preventive initiatives.

Using radio occultation-based electron density profiles for studying sporadic E layer spatial and temporal characteristics

An improved method for identifying sporadic E (Es) layer properties from radio occultation (RO) electron density profiles (EDPs) is presented. The data used are sourced from COSMIC-1 RO EDPs collected between 2006 and 2019, which cover altitudes from 75 to 145 km. Initially, we evaluate the reliability of EDPs using the International Reference Ionosphere 2016 (IRI-2016) model and select only those profiles with a reliability score of 0.6 or higher (on a scale up to 1) for further analysis. Preliminary Es layer inversion results are obtained and validated against electron density data derived from ionosonde fbEs measurements, demonstrating a linear correlation with a coefficient of 0.72 and a mean absolute percentage error of 36.08%. Further verification using RO S4max data shows that this research method achieved an accuracy of 85.3% in identifying Es events. We perform a detailed analysis of Es layer relative occurrence rates, intensity, and thickness. The Es intensity is expressed by NmμEs (the layer’s maximum electron density (Nm) corresponding to the metal (μ) ion), which is estimated from the measured layer peak electron density NmEs by subtracting the ambient E region electron density NeE(hEs) at the height of the layer’s peak hEs, computed from the IRI-2016 model. Our findings reveal that Es layers predominantly occur in mid-latitude regions during summer, with average intensities between 5×104and8×104el/cm3\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$5\ imes {10}^{4 }\ ext{ and }8\ imes {10}^{4 }\ ext{el}/{\ ext{cm}}^{3}$$\\end{document}. The most likely thickness of Es layers is approximately 1.4 km. Additionally, the present study shows that because NeE(hEs) increases during daytime, which leads to increases in NmEs, confirming that NmμEs is the proper parameter for assessing the Es layer intensity, in line with what is suggested by Haldoupis et al. (Haldoupis et al., J Atmos Sol Terr Phys 206:105327, 2020).Graphical

A risk-based approach to the analysis of potential climate change effects on fish communities associated to Posidonia oceanica in the Mediterranean

The Mediterranean is recognized as a climate change hotspot, with ongoing warming anticipated to impact its habitats and their associated fish fauna. Among these habitats, the seagrass Posidonia oceanica stands out as a foundational species, critical for the stability of coastal fish communities. However, our understanding of climate change consequences on P. oceanica associated fish fauna to date remains limited in part due to a lack of long-term data. This study aimed to highlight potential climate change risks to fish species associated with Posidonia, integrating data on species' thermal envelopes with their habitat and depth preferences into a climate change risk index. Specifically, 9 species, including three pipefish and several wrasse species of the genus Symphodus, emerged as being at higher potential risk from climatic change. A historical time series from Palma Bay (Balearic Islands, Spain), spanning 45 years and providing clear evidence of warming, was employed to evaluate trends in species abundance and occurrence in relation to their relative climate risk score. While certain high-risk species like Symphodus cinereus and Diplodus annularis showed an increase in abundance over time, others, such as the pipefish Syngnathus acus, Syngnathus typhle and Nerophis maculatus experienced declines. The absence of observed declines in some high-risk species could be attributed to several factors, such as acclimation, adaptation, or unmet response thresholds. However, this does not rule out the potential for future changes in these species. Factors such as increased nutrient influx due to growing human populations and changes in fishing regulations may also have contributed to the observed trends. These findings underscore the intricate interplay of environmental and anthropogenic factors and accentuate the pressing need for sustained, long-term data acquisition to fathom the implications of climate change on this highly important marine ecosystem.

Seasonal Groundwater Level Dynamics in Unconfined Aquifers across the United States.

Groundwater hydrographs contain a rich set of information on the dynamics of aquifer systems and the processes and properties that influence them. While the importance of seasonal cycles in hydrologic and environmental state variables is widely recognized there has yet to be a comprehensive analysis of the seasonal dynamics of groundwater across the United States. Here we use time series of groundwater level measurements from 997 wells from the National Groundwater Monitoring Network to identify and describe groundwater seasonal cycles in unconfined aquifers across the United States. We use functional data analysis to obtain a functional form fit for each site and apply an unsupervised clustering algorithm to identify a set of five distinct seasonal cycles regimes. Each seasonal cycle regime has a distinctive shape and distinct timing of its annual minimum and maximum water level. There are clear spatial patterns in the occurrence of each seasonal cycle regime, with the relative occurrence of each regime strongly influenced by the geologic setting (aquifer system), climate, and topography. Our findings provide a comprehensive characterization of groundwater seasonal cycles across much of the United States and present both a methodology and results useful for assessing and understanding unconfined groundwater systems.

NFKBIA deletions reshape the epigenome antithetical to the IDH mutation and indication of prognosis in diffuse gliomas.

2083 Background: Genetic alterations help predict the clinical behavior of diffuse gliomas, but some variability remains uncorrelated. The NFKBIA gene at 14q13.2 encodes IkBa, a protein that regulates the activity of NF-kB in the cytoplasm. Evidence that, in chromatin, nuclear NFKBIA dynamically interacts with histones H2A and H4 to regulate polycomb-dependent transcriptional repression and, thus, stem cell maturation and lineage specification and our characterization of NFKBIA as a tumor suppressor in glioblastoma prompted our investigation of the relationship of NFKBIA deletions to other genetic markers, alterations in the methylome, and the clinical course of gliomas. Methods: We analyzed the genetic profiles of 2,343 WHO grade 2 to 4 diffuse gliomas in multiple clinically well-characterized patient populations, including national randomized phase III consortium trial RTOG 9802, to determine whether incorporation of NFKBIA deletions could enhance the prognostic value of current molecular descriptions. Results: We demonstrate that haploinsufficient deletions of NFKBIA display distinct patterns of occurrence in relation to other genetic markers, including driver mutations IDH, TERT, ATRX, and PTEN, 1p19q codeletion, and CDKN2A/B deletion, and are disproportionally present at recurrence. NFKBIA haploinsufficiency is associated with unfavorable patient outcomes, independent of genetic and clinicopathologic predictors. NFKBIA deletions reshape the DNA and histone methylome antipodal to the IDH mutation. The methylome changes facilitated through NFKBIA deletions engender a transcriptome landscape partly reminiscent of H3K27M mutant pediatric gliomas and are highly enriched for neural stem cell and neurogenesis genes bearing repressive H3K27 marks. Our findings imply that the NFKBIA deletion in adult gliomas and the H3K27M mutation in pediatric diffuse midline gliomas define aggressive disease subtypes that may share an epigenetic state reflecting a common PRC2 loss-of-function phenotype antipodal to the quasi PRC2 gain-of-function phenotype of IDH mutant gliomas and their favorable clinical course. Lower-grade gliomas harboring NFKBIA deletions behave much like high-grade gliomas. In IDH mutant gliomas, NFKBIA deletions are common in tumors with a clinical course similar to that of IDH wildtype tumors. A sparse, easily interpretable, and externally validated nomogram model for estimating individual patient survival in IDH mutant gliomas, incorporating NFKBIA deletion and current best-established genetic and clinicopathologic factors, confirms that NFKBIA deletions predict comparatively brief survival. Conclusions: NFKBIA haploinsufficiency aligns with distinct epigenome changes, portends a poor prognosis, and should be incorporated into clinical models predicting the disease fate of diffuse gliomas.

Enhancing arthropod occurrence in wheat cropping systems: the role of non-chemical pest management and nitrogen optimization

This study analyzes arthropod biomass and abundance to track the changes in arthropod occurrence in relation to pesticide use in three winter wheat cropping systems managed at different intensities (organic, conventional, and hybrid). Arthropod occurrence was surveyed using three collection tools: sweeping nets, eclector traps, and yellow traps. Sampling was conducted over three years from 2020 to 2022 with 588 samples collected. The wet weight of the captured organisms was determined and arthropod abundance calculated. The application of a NOcsPS (no chemical-synthetic pesticides) strategy, a new hybrid cultivation method realized with optimized use of nitrogen fertilizers but without chemical-synthetic pesticides, showed a higher arthropod occurrence and performed more convincingly regarding produced arthropod biomass and abundance than the other cropping variants. The results also demonstrate a dependence of the obtained insect indices on the collection method. Although arthropod biomass and abundance correlated for all collection methods, the combination of various methods as well as multiple procedures of sample analysis gives a more realistic and comprehensive view of the impact of the wheat cultivation systems on the arthropod fauna than one-factor analyses.

Relative Occurrence Rate between Hot and Cold Jupiters as an Indicator to Probe Planet Migration

We propose a second-order statistic parameter ε, the relative occurrence rate between hot Jupiters (HJs) and cold Jupiters (CJs) (ε = η HJ/η CJ), to probe the migration of gas giants. Since the planet occurrence rate is the combined outcome of the formation and migration processes, a joint analysis of HJ and CJ frequency may shed light on the dynamical evolution of giant planet systems. We first investigate the behavior of ε as the stellar mass changes observationally. Based on the occurrence rate measurements of HJs (η HJ) from the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite survey and CJs (η CJ) from the California Legacy Survey, we find a tentative trend (97% confidence) that ε drops when the stellar mass rises from 0.8 to 1.4 M ⊙, which can be explained by different giant planet growth and disk migration timescales around different stars. We carry out planetesimal and pebble accretion simulations, both of which can reproduce the results of η HJ, η CJ, and ε. Our findings indicate that the classical core accretion + disk migration model can explain the observed decreasing trend of ε. We propose two ways to increase the significance of the trend and verify the anticorrelation. Future works are required to better constrain ε, especially for M dwarfs and for more massive stars.

Gender Difference in sidE eFfects of ImmuNotherapy: a possible clue to optimize cancEr tReatment (G-DEFINER): study protocol of an observational prospective multicenter study.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have significantly improved outcomes in various cancers. ICI treatment is associated with the incidence of immune-related adverse events (irAEs) which can affect any organ. Data on irAEs occurrence in relation to sex- differentiation and their association with gender-specific factors are limited. The primary objective of the G-DEFINER study is to compare the irAEs incidence in female and male patients who undergo ICI treatment. Secondary objectives are: to compare the irAEs incidence in pre- and postmenopausal female patients; to compare the irAEs incidence in female and male patients according to different clinical and gender-related factors (lifestyle, psychosocial, and behavioral factors). Exploratory objectives of the study are to compare and contrast hormonal, gene-expression, SNPs, cytokines, and gut microbiota profiles in relation to irAEs incidence in female and male patients. The patients are recruited from Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Italy, St Vincent's University Hospital, Ireland, Oslo University Hospital, Norway, and Karolinska Insitutet/Karolinska University Hospital, Sweden. The inclusion of patients was delayed due to the Covid pandemic, leading to a total of 250 patients recruited versus a planned number of 400 patients. Clinical and translational data will be analyzed. The expected outcomes are to improve the management of cancer patients treated with ICIs, leading to more personalized clinical approaches that consider potential toxicity profiles. The real world nature of the trial makes it highly applicable for timely irAEs diagnosis.

The importance of assessing the ghosting phenomenon in dynamic footprints when estimating stature – Forensic implications

In cases where multiple footprints are found at a crime scene, it is unusual that all are static, and some are likely dynamic. Depending on how the footprint was made, we distinguish between dynamic and static footprints. A distinguishing feature that has only recently been associated with dynamic footprints is the fact that dynamic footprints differ from static footprints by the presence of additional markings around the back of the heel and the tops of the toe prints, the so-called ghosting phenomenon. The present study aims to analyse the ghosting phenomenon on dynamic footprints – its occurrence in relation to sex, laterality, and different areas of footprints as well as length features. Additionally, it aims to investigate the assessment of the ghosting phenomenon on dynamic footprints when estimating stature for biological profiling in the forensic field. The study sample comprised of 170 young adults aged 18 – 30 years of both biological sexes. Stature was measured and dynamic footprints were obtained where the ghosting phenomenon was analysed together with length measurements of the same footprint with and without ghosting. In the first and second toes of footprints, the ghosting phenomenon occurred most frequently in both sexes and in the sex-mixed group. Sex differences were not significant in ghosting occurrence on right and left footprints (p > 0.05), except for the area of the left fifth toe (p = 0.045). All the footprints’ lengths with ghosting were significantly higher (p < 0.001) than those without ghosting. Statures calculated from footprint length measurements with ghosting predicted stature more accurately than statures calculated from the same footprint length measurements without ghosting. In the case of finding dynamic footprints at crime scenes, it is necessary to correctly identify and evaluate ghosting of the footprint. This comparison can be helpful in interpreting how ghosting should be taken into account when estimating a person's stature.

Институциональные и организационно-экономические преобразования в АПК

The article considers transformations in the agro-industrial complex, gives their types, causes of occurrence and orientation in relation to organizations of the agro-industrial complex and rural areas. Institutional transformations determine the change in the formal and informal conditions of economic activity. Organizational and economic transformations are associated with changes in the organization. The need to study, plan and predict the effects of changes is shown.

Ethnopharmacological uses of fauna among the people of central Punjab, Pakistan.

The utilization of fauna and fauna-based byproducts in ethnomedicinal usages has been a longstanding human activity, practiced across various cultures worldwide. This study focuses on investigating the utilization of animal-based traditional medicine by the people of Pakistan, specifically in the Gujranwala area. Data collection took place from January to September 2019 through interviews with local communities. Ethnomedicinal applications of animal products were analyzed using several indices, including Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC), Relative Popularity Level (RPL), Folk Use Value (FL), and Relative Occurrence Percentage (ROP). The study identified the use of different body parts of 54 species of animals in treating various diseases and health issues. These include but are not limited to skin infections, sexual problems, pain management (e.g., in the backbone and joints), eyesight issues, immunity enhancement, cold, weakness, burns, smallpox, wounds, poisoning, muscular pain, arthritis, diabetes, fever, epilepsy, allergies, asthma, herpes, ear pain, paralysis, cough, swelling, cancer, bronchitis, girls' maturity, and stomach-related problems. Certain species of fauna were noted by informers with high "frequency of citation" (FC), ranging from 1 to 77. For instance, the black cobra was the most frequently cited animal for eyesight issues (FC = 77), followed by the domestic rabbit for burn treatment (FC = 67), and the Indus Valley spiny-tailed ground lizard for sexual problems (FC = 66). Passer domesticus and Gallus gallus were noted to have the highest ROP value of 99. The findings of this study provide valuable preliminary insights for the conservation of fauna in the Gujranwala region of Punjab, Pakistan. Additionally, screening these animals for medicinally active compounds could potentially lead to the development of novel animal-based medications, contributing to both traditional medicine preservation and modern pharmaceutical advancements.

Regional reef fish assemblage maps provide baseline biogeography for tropicalization monitoring

The Anthropocene rise in global temperatures is facilitating the expansion of tropical species into historically non-native subtropical locales, including coral reef fish. This redistribution of species, known as tropicalization, has serious consequences for economic development, livelihoods, food security, human health, and culture. Measuring the tropicalization of subtropical reef fish assemblages is difficult due to expansive species ranges, temporal distribution shifts with the movement of isotherms, and many dynamic density-dependent factors affecting occurrence and density. Therefore, in locales where tropical and subtropical species co-occur, detecting tropicalization changes relies on regional analyses of the relative densities and occurrence of species. This study provides a baseline for monitoring reef fish tropicalization by utilizing extensive monitoring data from a pivotal location in southeast Florida along a known transition between tropical and subtropical ecotones to define regional reef fish assemblages and use benthic habitat maps to spatially represent their zoogeography. Assemblages varied significantly by ecoregion, habitat depth, habitat type, and topographic relief. Generally, the southern assemblages had higher occurrences and densities of tropical species, whereas the northern assemblages had a higher occurrence and density of subtropical species. A total of 108 species were exclusive to regions south of the Bahamas Fracture Zone (BFZ) (South Palm Beach, Deerfield, Broward-Miami) and 35 were exclusive to the north (North Palm Beach, Martin), supporting the BFZ as a pivotal location that affects the coastal biogeographic extent of tropical marine species in eastern North America. Future tropicalization of reef fish assemblages are expected to be evident in temporal deviance of percent occurrence and/or relative species densities between baseline assemblages, where the poleward expansion of tropical species is expected to show the homogenization of assemblage regions as adjacent regions become more similar or the regional boundaries expand poleward. Ecoregions, habitat depth, habitat type, and relief should be incorporated into the stratification and analyses of reef fish surveys to statistically determine assemblage differences across the seascape, including those from tropicalization.